Fall Discoveries In Drumheller
When is the best time to visit Drumheller? Some would say summer. That’s when the hub of activity is at its busiest. Others might say spring, when nature is beginning to bloom, and the world seems to be waking up from its winter hibernation.
But just because the weather cools down doesn’t mean the fun stops. Fall and winter in Drumheller is a great time to stop and stay! One of the highlights? You can enjoy the valley without the crush of visitors during the peak season.
There truly is life after Labour Day in Drumheller. Now, drumroll please! Here are the top 5 things to do during the fall and winter in the Valley:
1. The Royal Tyrrell Museum
Drumheller is famous for it’s world-class facility, full of interactive displays, galleries, fossils, and (of course) dinosaurs! There have been a lot of changes made over the last few years, all in an effort to make the museum even better.
The best part? It’s open year-round and during the off-season, you’ll have plenty of room to move about, take your time, and really absorb the history of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. Visit their website for more information.
2. Shop Downtown
The lights are much brighter when you’re downtown! Downtown Drumheller is no exception. As the weather cools, people begin to get festive. The decorations become more apparent and the smiles grow bigger.
There are bistros and coffee shops if you’re inclined to sit for awhile and visit. Or take something to go if you’re in a hurry.
There are shops to peruse, crafts to make, and bistros to dine in. Browse through the clothing stores, flower shops, health and wellness stores, and other great locally owned businesses.
The Collective House is relatively new to downtown. It offers a collective of beautiful items made by Albertan artisans.
https://www.facebook.com/collectivehousedrumheller
Walk into this quaint little shop and fall in love with their one of a kind items. You’ll find dream catchers, trapdoor underwear, moccasins, and more. They also promote local artists in their gallery.
https://www.facebook.com/Dry-Canyon-Collectables-229449887177747/
Dinosaur Valley Massage & Wellness
It’s more than just massage. When you walk into the store, you’ll discover a whole world of colourful clothing and books, essential oils, and more. You can even bring your own bottle in to their refillery station for soaps, oils, and other great liquid essentials.
https://www.facebook.com/DinoValleyMassage/
3. Corn Mazes
The incredible thing about people in Drumheller, is their penchant for creativity. Don’t believe me? Take a look at this corn maze at the Sunny Spot, located just 10 minutes East of Drumheller, across from the hoodoos:
https://www.facebook.com/thesunnyspotdrumheller/photos/a.358166731742999/850203485872652/
Going the exact opposite direction, Barney’s Adventure Park is located west of Drumheller, just past the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Along with their corn maze and pumpkin patch, you can explore Barney’s Barnyard, Boomtown, and Boneyard… that’s where the live dinosaurs roam: barneysdrumheller.com
4. E-Bikes & Picnics
There’s a new kid in town. You know, the kid who brings his cool bike to school, has great lunches and is just extremely popular from the get-go?
The “new kid” in this case is actually a new business. Bikes & Bites has established itself in the Badlands Community Facility and founders Lana Phillips and Natalie Lum have really made their mark in Drumheller.
Bikes & Bites provide e-bike rentals and picnics.
This is a great way to explore Drumheller, especially right now with all of the colours of fall embracing the Valley. They have youth pedal bikes, a ride-a-long and a two-child trailer, so everyone can explore the 18 kilometres of trail along the riverside and the badlands.
As for the bites, Lana and Natalie can create a picnic for you consisting of a sandwich (seven to choose from), a charcuterie box, and a choice of sides. It’s packed in a cooler for you to enjoy anytime along your travels.
Bikes & Bites will be offering bike rentals until the snow stays or it’s too cold.
They’ve even been featured on CTV to explain what the experience is like: https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2251483
For more information, visit their website: www.bikesandbites.ca
5. Hiking
The hills are alive! Drumheller has an immense amount of hiking trails and areas to cover… even in the colder months. In fact, fall is a beautiful time of the year to meander. Even in the winter, when the areas around the town becomes still, the song of nature is golden.
One of the most stunning places to find yourself is in Midland Provincial Park, 280-hectares, rife with fall foliage and an amazing array of wildlife. It boasts the best of both worlds: walk on the nature trail alongside the river and in among the trees. If you continue on to the west, you’ll find yourself immersed within the beautiful badlands, and on your way to the Royal Tyrell Museum.